No matter where you are on your life’s path, either just beginning self-cultivation or practicing for years, as you practice you will become more awake and aware. You further realize you are stepping further into groundlessness, and entering into you know not what.
An hourglass is like our consciousness alternating between the various states represented by the hourglass. The sand going from one side to the other represents polarity, or duality. We focus on the sand, the material duality, rather than trying to understand the movement.
Knowing others is intelligence, knowing yourself is true wisdom. When you master yourself, you do not have to master others. When you know you have enough, then you are truly wealthy. Find your roots and nourish them and you will know longevity.
In times of abundance, treasure and use well the plenitude and sustain the times of abundance as long as possible. In times of decline explore new possibilities, rather than staying with your old ways. The key is not to dwell on old ways and trivial things.
Quote: You need to spend time crawling alone through shadows to truly appreciate what it is to stand in the sun.